The New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (NYAC) in White Plains, N.Y., recently renovated its conference center building’s exterior and 13,000 square feet of its interior space. The center houses the office of the Bishop as well as NYAC staff. Vocon, leading design firm and one of the top 40 design firms internationally, helped NYAC create a welcoming and collaborative environment for its members and the community. The renovation provides the opportunity for more people to gather in multi-cultural settings for diverse worship experiences and traditions. Originally built as a music conservatory in 1959, the building was in need of a refresh. To start, Vocon brought modern design into the exterior elements. The multi-print brick and exterior signage were upgraded to create a uniform and contemporary look. New high-performance floor-to-ceiling facade glass was installed to maximize natural light, and a large arrival canopy was added at the main entry to invite visitors inside. The exterior arrival area was also expanded to include a drop-off lane, sustainable wood benches, lighted bollards and new planting areas.
Andrew Thomas Ryan
The interior refresh includes:
Andrew Thomas Ryan
Four stained-glass windows (repurposed from a church in Connecticut) and two large dome skylight fixtures in the lobby.
· Updated heating and LED lighting systems for improved efficiency
· New high-durability carpet, porcelain tile, fresh paint, and new ceiling tile throughout the building, all in keeping with an updated modern aesthetic
· Reconfigured storage and presentation wall in the multi-use “Learning Center” for increased flexibility and event capabilities in service to large groups and community functions
